Need economical geochemistry? Use SciAps handheld apps

March 2, 2020

Discover sophisticated tools with the power to create advanced geochemistry analytical methods

SciAps apps-based analyzers are ready to go for critical geochemistry applications. Take advantage of our Android operating system and the apps-based smartphone culture that everyone knows, including real-time data exporting, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. When you fire up the X or Z, you simply choose the type of work you want to do. Each app is pre-configured and optimized for your application, or use our Profile Builder desktop software to customize local calibrations and methods.

What are your needs? In-field XRF is a very powerful technique for quick and accurate geochemistry. XRF is the standard technology for in-field elemental analysis, gold pathfinders, transition and heavy metals. But as economic mineral deposits are becoming harder to find, exploration techniques have evolved. LIBS offers a powerful and complementary dataset that smart geologists can exploit to make better decisions.

Add handheld LIBS: Handheld LIBS (laser, not X-ray) is a specialty tool for in-field analysis of Li, Be, B, C, Na, and F and microanalysis of rocks, veins, inclusions. The acceptance of handheld LIBS (laser analysis) for in-field geochemistry is accelerating. A recent review in Minerals shows how LIBS is ideally suited for field exploration programs that would benefit from rapid chemical analysis under ambient environmental conditions. LIBS can be applied to qualitative element detection for geochemical fingerprinting, sample classification, and discrimination, as well as quantitative geochemical analysis, rock characterization by grain size analysis, and in situ geochemical imaging.

LIBS (laser) Apps

Element Pro: Need to know what elements are present on your sample without performing a complicated digestion and lab analysis? Element Pro performs super quick tests (< 3 seconds) to give a full qualitative analysis of all elements detectable in the sample including light elements like Li, Be, B, C, F.

Geochem: Use our factory-built calibrations or build your own matrix-matched calibrations for quantitative analysis of prepared samples. See how it’s been done for Total Organic Carbon in Soil and Lithium in Brines.

Geochem Pro: Take advantage of the 100 um analysis spot and XY raster capabilities to build element distribution maps of your sample in less than 1 minute per analysis. These maps allow you to quickly and easily visualize the changes in chemistry around veins, inclusions and mineral boundaries. See how elemental deportment mapping with Geochem Pro revealed Where’s the Gold.

XRF Apps

Mining: Designed for bulk analysis of all kinds of geological materials, the Mining app utilizes an advanced algorithm to correct for matrix effects and provide the most accurate results possible. With optimized internal geometry, a high powered X-ray tube and the most sensitive silicon drift detector, this app will provide results with excellent precision for elements as light as Mg, Al and Si. Users can further fine tune their results by utilizing the Derivative and Site Cal features which allow for simple, site specific calibration corrections. Talk to us about our 55 kV option for improved performance on REEs and gold pathfinders.

Soil: The Soil app uses three different tube conditions to achieve the highest level of sensitivity for elements P–U.  The Soil app is calibrated primarily for low-density matrix types like soil, but can be applied on all kinds of materials including rocks, pulps and even liquids. Ideal for environmental testing and screening of things like RCRA metals and other hazardous elements.

Meet the X-550: Built for geochemistry

In-field microanalysis of rocks, veins, inclusions — another benefit of SciAps’ handheld LIBS

The GeoChem Pro App now delivers groundbreaking microanalysis of rocks in the field.

*Australian Synchrotron’s x-ray fluorescence microprobe (XFM) data courtesy of Shaun Barker (University of Waikato) and Jeremy Vaughan (Barrick).
Use it in-field, or bring it to the benchtop

Profile Builder Desktop Software: Tune and customize your laser and X-ray calibrations to local geochemistry with Profile Builder. SciAps desktop software is loaded with common industry certified reference materials (CRMs with assays) and users may add more. View calibration curves, generate new ones, build highly customized models for your own elements of interest. Overlay and compare mineral spectra and more.

SciAps Test Stand: The XRF test stand is designed for reliability, durability and safety. Complete with interlocked lid for your protection and a super stable base to keep your samples positioned correctly and safe regardless of what’s going on around you. Integrated fans to keep the analyzer cool even at the most extreme duty cycles and environments.

Did you know? The fast, light and precise X-550 is built for geochemistry

Low weight, with fast testing means you can use the analyzer all day long while minimizing fatigue and processing more samples than ever

Perfect for long days in the fi eld, the SciAps X-550 sets a new performance standard for handheld XRF. It’s the lightest, fastest, most articulate X-ray gun ever made — 2.8 lbs. including battery — and delivers the small size, blazing speed and high precision of the SciAps X Series in a perfectly balanced device.

The X-550 also features a powerful, miniaturized X-ray tube designed to excel at measuring low atomic number elements Si, P, S, Mg and Al. Need optimal performance on rare earth elements or gold pathfinders like Ag or Sb? The X-550 has an optional 50 kV Mining calibration for even better LODs on these heavier elements. This X-ray tube combined with highly optimal internal geometry yields fast, precise results even on the hardest elements to measure with handheld XRF. Low weight, with fast testing means you can use the analyzer all day long while minimizing fatigue and processing more samples than ever.

  • Premium x-ray hardware for fast, precise results
  • Optimal performance on light elements like Mg, Al, Si, P, S
  • Powerful 50 kV x-ray tube to measure rare earth elements or gold pathfinders

SciAps marketing and product development teams are veterans of Niton, Innov-X, ThermoFisher Scientific, and Olympus and bring decades of experience to developing and supporting handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers for every industry.

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